Turmeric can be bought in many forms such as, turmeric root, turmeric powder, turmeric tea, and turmeric capsules. This post will tell you why you should use turmeric essential oil!
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Why You Should Use Turmeric Essential Oil!
Essential oils are the concentrated forms of plants, which makes Turmeric Essential Oil the concentrated form of Turmeric. Combining all of Turmeric’s properties into tiny drops!
Scientific Name:
First let’s look at the scientific name for Turmeric Essential Oil. It is: Curcuma longa
Again, as we discussed in Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil, knowing the scientific name of an essential oil is very important.
Some essential oils have lots of different species. Some of these species can be harmful to certain people, or can be used for different things. It is important when purchasing an essential oil to make sure that you read the full scientific name so that you know what you are getting.
Turmeric Oil
What is Turmeric Essential Oil and where does it come from?
Turmeric is a tropical plant and thrives in warm temperatures.
The leaves of the plant are not harvested, but instead the roots are used to create the supplements that we are familiar with. It is grown similarly to ginger.
Turmeric has a beautiful bright yellow color due to its curcumuinoids. The essential oil should also be yellow.
Turmeric is native to India and South Asia, where it grows wild in the forests.
It is traditionally used for cooking and making dyes and in Indian tradional medicine it is also recommended for various medicinal purposes.
The Turmeric Essential Oil that I use is wildcrafted and comes from India.
Wildcrafted means that the plant was grown in its natural environment, which ensures that that the Turmeric’s quality and therapeutic properties are the best that it can be!
Turmeric Benefits
First I want to state that I am not a doctor. Please consult your health care practitioner before implementing any new supplement or diet change. You can read my full disclaimer, as well as the sources for the information provided in this post, at then end of this article.
Turmeric has a long tradition of use in Indian Ayurvedic medicine (since about 1900 BC), and is also known as the Ayurvedic Spice of Life.
For thousands of years people in these foreign cultures have revered Turmeric.
They revered it for it’s powerful anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. As well as, it’s anti-parasitic, antidiabetic, antiviral and cardio-protective properties.
Turmeric oil is a component in many skin care formulas and has long been used to assist the body in relief from inflammation and muscle pain.
(These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA)
Turmeric Oil
How is Turmeric Essential Oil similar to Turmeric Root?
Basically, Turmeric Essential Oil is a concentrated version of the chemical constituents found in Turmeric Root!
In a study published in pubmed.gov rats were given liver damaging drugs. Then the rats were administered Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Curcumin (the most active constituent in Turmeric).
These are the exact words from the results of the study: The present study concludes that Curcuma longa extract or curcumin has the ability to alleviate the hepatotoxic effects caused by HgCl2 in rats.
This is basically saying that the study concluded that turmeric has the ability to alleviate the damage caused by these destructive drugs to the liver!
(If you would like to read the full study, then please see the references at the bottom of this post)
In another study published in pubmed.gov, rats were given Curcuma longa to jugde its effect on asthma.
The results were:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of C. longa extract and its constituent curcumin in animal model of asthma was observed which suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant and its constituent on asthma.
Isn’t that amazing?! According to this study Turmeric has therapeutic potential for asthma!
And there is so much more that turmeric is good for! You can read more information on the benefits of Turmeric Essential Oil here.
Contraindications:
A contraindication is a medical reason for not using something, and in this case it is a medical reason for why you should not use Turmeric Essential Oil.
Below are a list of possible contraindications as provided by Be Young Total Health. The majority of people will not have to worry about these contraindications, however, I want to provide all information available.
The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use.
You should always read product labels.
If you have a medical condition, or if you are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, then you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
The information below is provided by Natural Medicine Database.
BILE DUCT OBSTRUCTION AND GALLSTONES: Turmeric can cause gallbladder contractions (11145). Use with caution in patients with gallstones or gallbladder disease.
BLEEDING DISORDERS: Turmeric has been reported to have antiplatelet effects (11143, 81204, 81217, 81271). Theoretically, taking turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in individuals with bleeding disorders.
DIABETES: In a case report of a patient with diabetes, curcumin caused a decrease in blood sugar (81219). Evidence from animal research also suggests that curcumin can decrease blood sugar levels (79114, 79573, 79591, 79692, 79984, 80155, 80313, 80315,80476)(80553, 81048). Use with caution in patients with diabetes, as there may be an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD): Turmeric can cause adverse gastrointestinal effects including dyspepsia, distension, and gastroesophageal reflux (18204). Theoretically, taking turmeric might worsen symptoms of GERD. Use with caution in patients with GERD.
HORMONE SENSITIVE CANCERS/CONDITIONS: Some in vitro evidence suggests that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, can competitively inhibit the binding of 3H-estradiol or beta-galactosidase with the estrogen receptor (21486, 26203, 26204). Theoretically, turmeric might have mild estrogenic effects. However, other in vitro research suggests that curcumin can counteract the proliferation of cervical and breast cancer cell lines in response to estradiol and/or irradiation, suggesting that it might have beneficial anticancer effects against hormone-sensitive cancers (26205, 26206). Until more is known, advise women with hormone-sensitive conditions to use turmeric cautiously. Theoretically, turmeric may exacerbate hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer; endometriosis; and uterine fibroids when used in large amounts.
INFERTILITY: Evidence from in vitro and animal research suggests that curcumin can decrease sperm motility and density; cause degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules; reduce luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated production of testosterone in adult Leydig cells; and reduce fertility when administered orally (79404, 80650, 80944, 81069). Until more is known, use with caution in patients trying to conceive.
IRON DEFICIENCY: Although intake of turmeric at levels commonly found in the diet does not appear to reduce iron absorption in humans (21471), animal and laboratory research suggests higher levels of curcumin or turmeric may chelate iron and prevent its absorption (21467, 21468, 21469, 21470). Use with caution in patients with iron deficiency.
SURGERY: Turmeric has antiplatelet effects. Turmeric might cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. Tell patients to discontinue turmeric at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures.
Quality:
You also want to make sure that you are using a good quality Turmeric essential oil.
As an Aromatherapist I would never recommend buying an essential oil at a local store, as I can almost guarantee you that it is not a pure oil.
There are no government regulations on essential oils, therefore an oil can be diluted by up to 50% and still be marketed as a pure oil.
Which brand of essential oils should I use?
Make sure that you know and trust your source. If you have a brand that you feel confident in, then you can use that.
But If you aren’t sure about where to get Turmeric essential oil, or if you would like to check out the brand that I use, then you can find it on my website Healing Blends For Life.
Where to buy turmeric oil at discounted prices!
If you are interested in learning how you can buy my preferred brand of essential oils at a discounted price, then check out my Essential Oil page!
I hope you enjoy Turmeric Essential Oil!
Have you used Turmeric Essential Oil before, or have you even heard of Turmeric Essential Oil before? What did you like about it? Did it help you?
Please share your experience in the comments below!
If you would like to learn about more essential oils uses then check out one of these posts:
1.Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil!
2.Why You Should Use Dill Essential Oil!
3.Why You Should Use Myrrh Essential Oil!
4.Why You Should Use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil!
5.Why You Should Use Geranium Essential Oil!
6.Why You Should Use Birch Essential Oil!
7.Why You Should Use Cypress Essential Oil!
8.Why You Should Use Helichrysum Essential Oil!
9.Why You Should Use Clove Essential Oil!
10.Why You Should Use Ginger Essential Oil!
11.Why You Should Use Nutmeg Essential Oil!
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
For more information please read my full disclaimer page here.
References:
Be Young Total Health
Pubmed.gov PMID: 28336172 Curcuma longa Linn. extract and curcumin protect CYP 2E1 enzymatic activity against mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress: A protective approach.
Pubmed.gov PMID: 28293392 The effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome and curcumin on total and differential WBC and serum oxidant, antioxidant biomarkers in rat model of asthma.
No, I’ve never heard of Turmeric Essential Oil before!! But I have heard how good it is for you, so this is fascinating to me; off to read your other oils of the month posts, so glad to have found your site!
Thanks Annie:) Turmeric really is amazing! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post:) Stay tuned each month for a new Oil of The Month Post! And feel free to make a suggestion if you have an Oil that you would like me to discuss in the future!
I had NO IDEA there was a turmeric essential oil. I use the powdered stuff at least once a week in either my cooking or a beauty DIY. I can’t wait to experiment with the oil now too.
Turmeric is so powerful! I’m so glad that we can get it in Essential Oil form!
Wow! So much good stuff in that little root/powder/oil! I have been trying to cook with Tumeric more. I have a lot of inflammation and I’ve heard it helps.
That’s great Kristin! It’s definitely good to incorporate it in when you can:)
I’m wondering what the safe effective daily does of turmeric EO would be. 1, 2 or 3 drops a day? I’m having trouble finding that information. Goatlady, do you know? Thanks!
I am not a doctor, so it is always important to consult your health care practitioner before using essential oils. But according to Be Young Total Health: When using in place of Turmeric powder use 1 drop of Be Young Turmeric essential oil to 1 tsp of Turmeric powder.